The best camping in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, MN

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Top-rated campgrounds

Eagle's Perch

92%
(24)
48mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · La Pointe, WI
Ultra private secluded island paradise located on lovely Madeline Island with 300 feet of lakeshore and stunning views of the coveted North Channel. Seven of the 22 Apostle Islands are visible on a clear day and not one electric light is visible from the property at night. Enjoy dramatic fog while you sip your morning coffee, frequent sailboat regattas during the day, and stunning double sunsets as they reflect across over 5 miles of open water. (ps. this reflective effect is also in play for the northern lights if you're lucky) Amenities: ZERO! Well, other than two fire pits and a propane grill (BYO propane if you want to use that) Expect a lumpy lawn with space for up to 8 tents located right on top of a 100 foot cliff leading straight down to lake superior. If needed, showers, bathrooms, etc. are located 1.2 miles away at Big Bay Town Park. (no entry fee required) There you can also find the best beach on the island and canoes for rent if you'd like to explore the massive lagoon behind it chalk full of fish. Pack in, pack out. Enjoy!
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from 
$38
 / night

Sailor Springs Glamping

94%
(26)
46mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 9 sites · Lodging · Bayfield, WI
Experience upscale camping–Glamping in the Forested Hills of Lake Superior. Sailor Springs is a small three-site campground located just two miles outside of the picturesque tourist town of Bayfield, WI. 2023 will be our first year of operation and we’re excited to host campers on the property and provide a unique camping experience. The campground is spread out over 5 acres of forest that you’ll hike into from Bresette Hill Road. After parking at the trailhead, you’ll gather your bags and hike into your glamping site. The trail winds through the woods, leading you first to a valley where the seasonal Clark Creek runs through in the spring. The first two campsites are on the other side of this valley. The trail can be steep in spots and requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility to reach the secluded campsites. The third site is a bit farther into the forest, the little A-frame cabin, Anchor sits on the edge of the spring-fed Brickyard Creek that flows year-round. We have many plans for the property and depending on when you stay, the campground will be in various stages of development. The campsites, trailhead / parking area, and trails are scheduled to be completed in early spring. We hope to add amenities such as a camp sauna and screened-in gazebo later in the 2024 summer / fall. Thank you for considering joining us on this journey to build a peaceful place to play and stay in the woods. “In every walk in nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
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from 
$155
 / night

Timber Trail Lodge and Resort

41mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 45 sites · RVs, Lodging · Ely, MN
Timber Trail Lodge stands out as a premier four-season family resort in Ely, Minnesota, thanks to its unique combination of modern accommodations and direct access to the stunning Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). This makes it an ideal destination for families looking to blend relaxation with outdoor adventures, including fishing and canoeing. Nestled just seven miles from the charming town of Ely, Timber Trail Lodge is situated on the picturesque south shore of Farm Lake. This lake is part of a network of four interconnected lakes, providing guests with both motorized boating and serene canoeing opportunities. Surrounded by over one million acres of pristine wilderness, the lodge offers an unparalleled escape into nature. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from exploring scenic hiking trails to discovering hidden swimming holes. The nearby town of Ely features delightful restaurants and shops, ensuring that visitors have access to local cuisine and unique souvenirs. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Timber Trail Lodge is the perfect base for your Minnesota resort vacation.
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Potable water
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from 
$100
 / night

Off-Grid Secluded Forest Yurts

100%
(11)
39mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Bayfield, WI
Hi there! We have 5 yurts spread across our 40 acres with each yurt having lots of individual space and privacy. We hand built our yurts from scratch using wood from our land and local lumber, as well as sewing all the vinyl ourselves. The yurts are almost completely locally sourced, everything was handmade by us, and sustainably sourced. We are really excited to share the land we love with folks from near and far. Your yurt is equipped with a full sized futon, two burner stove kitchen with all cooking appliances and utensils, 2 gallons of fresh drinking water (as well as oil, salt, pep, coffee, and tea all provided), a small dining table with chairs, and an outdoor fire pit. A short 7 min drive from our property is beautiful Little Sand Bay beach. This free, public use National Park beach is gorgeous with views of Sand and York Islands, great swimming spots, $2.00 hot showers, and kayak launch. Important things to note about your yurt site! The access to our property is via a long dirt road, this road is accessible for all vehicles but it is about a 2min drive through the woods to get to the yurt sites. Once you arrive on the property your yurt is a 2-4min (depending on which yurt you choose) hike up a hill from the parking area. I recommend backpacking in your items. Wheely coolers and bags will not enjoy the terrain. The Portapotty is located at the parking area as well. That being said, a little bit of walking will be involved in your stay :) If you love walking you are in luck and can explore the trails on the property!
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Potable water
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from 
$81
 / night

Grand Marais Get-A-Way

92%
(33)
45mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Grand Marais, MN
Site: ***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024. A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway. Hiking/Biking Options: There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend: 1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR 2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead. Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com. Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point. Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!
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from 
$34
 / night

Sunset Bay Getaway

100%
(16)
44mi from George H. Crosby Manitou State Park · 3 sites · RVs · Duluth, MN
Please Note: This is an Adults Only Hipcamp Location. Enjoy your stay at Sunset Bay Getaway in your own self contained RV or camper and enjoy the views of our beautiful lake. Relax in the evening around the firepit. We do offer firewood for sale. Just enjoy being in nature, listening to the sounds of the frogs and birds. Grab a bite to eat at a local bar/restaurant 1 mile away. ATV trails, fishing, hunting and nature walks all available close by. Dogs allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Adults only. We do not have hookups for water, sewer or electric. We do not have restrooms or any facilities for hipcampers to use. All Hipcampers must have self contained RV's/Campers. The driveway to the camping/parking spots is a tad of a slope so keep that in mind when booking. The max length we allow is 34 Feet long due to the road to the camping spots. You might drag your bumper or hitch on your way down the hill to the spot. It's not hard to drive, it just is a bit steep and only gravel. We are always here to help if need be when you arrive. Bring bug dope, the bugs can be very hungry right about dusk time til about 30 min after the sun goes down. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you are welcome to bring them and enjoy the lake. Watercraft (boats/jet ski's) not allowed. This is a primitive camping spot, meaning no hook ups or WiFi. (no water/sewer/electric/wifi)
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$55
 / night

Other options near George H. Crosby Manitou State Park

The best camping in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, MN guide

Overview

About

The rugged wilderness trails and primitive hike-in sites at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park aren’t for the faint of heart, but if ultimate seclusion and killer views pump you up, this place couldn’t be more worth it. Waterfalls pour into volcanic canyons and rare mammals roam free here on the north shore of Lake Superior (moose, deer, bears, and wolves, to name a few).

Bensen Lake and the Manitou River emerge gloriously through dense swaths of spruce & fir, all largely undisturbed per the wishes of the park’s namesake—George H. Crosby was a mining magnate who donated the land on the condition that it wouldn’t be developed on too much. It was Minnesota’s first backpacking-only site, and has been intentionally maintained as a haven for backpackers all these years. Pack up and git over there!

When to go

The best time to visit George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is during the summer and fall when the weather is ideal for hiking and nature viewing. Winter brings a serene beauty, perfect for snowshoeing, though travel may be more challenging. Spring's thaw can make trails muddy and less accessible.

Know before you go

  • Check for any trail closures or safety advisories before your visit.
  • Prepare for limited cell service; plan your route and communications in advance.
  • Accessibility may vary across different areas of the park; some trails may be rugged and challenging.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
  • For the most current information, contact the park office directly before setting out.
100%
2 ratings · 0 reviews

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